Center for Social Enterprise Development kicks off first Social Enterprise Collective

New program is helping organizations with social missions find lasting success and connect more Michiganders with employment opportunities

Twenty-nine Michigan-based organizations with a social or community-based mission are participating in the first collective of its kind, receiving resources to aid in their growth, thanks to a new program offered jointly by the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and Incompass Michigan. While social enterprises can take many forms, employment-related models offer jobs and job training for individuals who might otherwise have limited opportunities and support.

Leveraging the extensive experience and capabilities of both SBAM and Incompass Michigan, the organizations selected to participate have been awarded grants to participate in training workshops on topics such as financing, branding, and how to utilize data and metrics to channel growth. Participants also receive additional vouchers for personalized technical assistance from subject matter experts. Each organization will also receive a tailored promotional video to present its mission and help recruit talent.

“The Center for Social Enterprise Development kickoff was a powerful moment of clarity and connection for Brookelyn Elias Promise,” said Tonya Elias, of the Brookelyn Elias Promise, a youth empowerment and mentoring organization based in Wyoming. “It reaffirmed our belief that social enterprise is not just a business model—it’s a pathway to deeper, more sustainable impact. The support from the Social Enterprise Collective is equipping us with the strategic insight and peer collaboration we need to evolve our work and expand our reach. We’re honored to be part of a community that’s reimagining what service and innovation can look like.”

Jill R. Bonthuis, MSW, CEO of Pioneer Resources, said: “The Center for Social Enterprise Development kickoff was truly inspirational.  I developed an even greater appreciation for the possibilities that a social enterprise might hold and how it could strengthen and diversify the impact of Pioneer Resources. And I had the chance to connect with some amazing people!  The knowledge and connections I gained will be a lasting benefit to our agency and those we serve.”

The cohort spans the entire state of Michigan, with participants reaching from Hancock in the Upper Peninsula; Midland to Muskegon and throughout Southeast Michigan in Pontiac, Clinton Township and Flint. Click here for a full list of those participating in the first Social Enterprise Collective.

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About SBAM: The Small Business Association of Michigan focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community through advocacy, collaboration and buying power. Today they serve over 33,000 members in all 83 counties of Michigan. SBAM is located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

About Incompass Michigan: Incompass Michigan is the statewide network for comprehensive human service providers, working together to develop independence and achieve inclusive communities. Their mission driven members provide services that promote community access and inclusion for individuals with disabilities or who face other barriers.